3 Grease Trap Maintenance Tips for Ithaca Restaurant Owners

See how these best practices can save you time and money

For restaurant owners in Ithaca and the surrounding areas, keeping your grease trap in top condition is essential to avoid plumbing issues, health code violations, and costly repairs. A properly maintained grease trap ensures smooth kitchen operations while preventing grease buildup from clogging your plumbing. Here are three key maintenance tips to help keep your grease trap working at its best.

1. Make Sure Your Grease Trap Is the Right Size

Not all grease traps are created equal. If your grease trap is too small for your restaurant’s needs, it will fill up quickly and become ineffective, leading to frequent backups and possible fines. A properly sized grease trap can handle the volume of wastewater and grease your kitchen produces, reducing maintenance frequency and keeping your pipes clear.

If you’re noticing that your trap fills up too fast or isn’t catching enough grease, it might be time to upgrade. Our team at Clean Earth Septic can evaluate your system and recommend the right solution for your business.

2. Keep Grease and Food Waste Out of Your Drains

Even with a well-maintained grease trap, your kitchen staff plays a major role in preventing clogs and buildup. Best practices include:

• Scraping food and grease into the trash instead of rinsing it down the sink.
• Using strainers in sinks to catch food particles.
• Ensuring all food prep and dishwashing sinks are properly connected to the grease trap.

By reducing the amount of grease and solids entering your trap, you’ll extend its life and reduce the risk of costly blockages.

3. Schedule Regular Cleaning and Jetting Services

Grease traps require routine maintenance to function correctly. In general, restaurants should have their grease traps pumped every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage. If you wait too long, grease hardens and becomes more difficult (and expensive) to remove.

In addition to regular pumping, high-pressure jetting is a great way to keep your drain lines clear. Over time, grease and debris can escape the trap and build up in your pipes, leading to slow drainage or backups. We offer both grease trap pumping and high-pressure jetting services to ensure your system is clean and functioning properly.

Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly with Clean Earth Septic

At Clean Earth Septic, we specialize in grease trap cleaning and maintenance for restaurants in Ithaca and the surrounding Finger Lakes region. Whether you need routine service or a deep clean with high-pressure jetting, our experienced team is here to help.

Don’t wait until you have a problem—schedule your grease trap maintenance today! Call Clean Earth Septic to keep your kitchen running smoothly and your plumbing free from grease-related issues.

Learn More About

• Residential Septic Pumping
• Commercial Grease Trap Cleaning
• Hot Water Jetting
• Septic Installations